The ‘for sale’ sign has gone up on Forfar council offices at the heart of a town centre bidding war.
Angus Council has placed the three-storey property at 5-7 The Cross on the open market after being forced into an embarrassing U-turn over plans to do a private deal with pub giant JD Wetherspoon.
The authority was involved in closed doors discussions earlier this year after an approach from the national chain, which is eyeing the imposing building for its second Angus outlet.
A private meeting of the full council agreed to proceed with negotiations over the bid, suggested to be around £400,000.
However, news of the private deal for a building home to councillor accommodation including the office of the Angus Provost triggered a second, higher bid from Angus businessman Ken Parke, whose ambition is to turn the sprawling property into a boutique hotel.
The casting vote of Provost Helen Oswald had sealed the continuation of the private deal talks with Wetherspoon, but following Mr Parke’s interest another closed doors meeting of the full council was then held which decided the 19th Century buildings should be offered on the open market.
Mr Parke, the operator of Parkgrove crematorium, near Friockheim, claimed the council had “moved the goalposts” over the disposal.
The commercial wing of Chartered Surveyors J & E Shepherd has now released the schedule for the property, which covers almost 9,500 square feet over three floors.
No guide price has been put on the offices, which are said to comprise two former bank buildings and include car parking, a car garage and stores to the rear, opposite the town swimming pool.
The rateable value of the offices is £32,500 and they are being sold with office planning consent.
Interested parties with an alternative proposed use are being advised to contact the council’s planning department.
The accommodation includes various offices, toilet and kitchen amenities and is around 3,660 sq ft at ground floor level, with the two upper floors each covering around 2,800 sq ft.
Local licensed trade and business interests remain opposed to the prospect of a town centre superpub being established by Wetherspoon, claiming it will put them under threat.